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Feakle Festival

Feakle nestles near the Sliabh Aughty mountains and consists of a community of approx. 800 people. Typical of a community of its size it boasts the usual local school, church and a few shops, four pubs, two restaurants and the local Post Office.

It is a parish with very proud credentials: many well known people have their roots here. People of the past of high renown include Brian Merriman who wrote the wonderful poem The Midnight Court and Johnny Patterson who composed many songs. Later years brought playwright Kieran Sheedy, sociologist Fr Harry Bohan, former Clare hurling manager Ger Loughnane and many more who have graced the national stage with great success.

Our musical culture has always been a major focal point over the years. People like PJ Hayes, Francie Donnellan, Paddy Canny, Martin Rochford together with present day players like Mary McNamara, Mark Donnellan, Andrew McNamara, Vincent Griffin, Paddy O'Donoghue, Seamus Bugler and many more who have kept the tradition alive. Martin Hayes has emigrated to the USA but his music can be heard worldwide as he enthrals audiences with his unique style.

The famous Tulla Céilí Band, founded by the late PJ Hayes, still plays regularly for céilís including the closing céilí in Feakle on the Sunday night of the Festival calendar.

The musical tradition is kept alive all year round with regular sessions at Shortt's Bar on Thursday nights and in Pepper's Bar on Wednesday nights. Many impromptu sessions take place on other nights of the week throughout the village and concerts are regularly held at Pepper's. The younger musicians are taken care of with top quality music teachers Mary McNamara and Vincent Griffin.

The Feakle Festival is one of the regular features on the Irish festival calendar. For more details see their website at Feakle Festival